The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested the Ford Mustang Mach-E using the agency’s new, more robust side impact evaluation. The EV received a Good rating – the highest possible score.
The Mach-E demonstrated good head protection for front and rear passengers in side impact tests. In general there is a low risk of injury according to the sensors in the doll. The driver’s body exhibited “a rather high risk” of harm, according to the IIHS.
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However, IIHS lowered the Mach-E skor score in the structural performance sub-category to Acceptable than the previous Good score. The left rear door was partially open during the test. This didn’t affect the doll’s injury, but the agency said an open door could allow passengers to get out in some situations.
The new side collision sent a 4,200 pound (1,905 kilogram) barrier traveling at 37 miles per hour (60 kph) into a vehicle. The previous version used a 3,300 pound (1,497 kilogram) sled with a speed of 31 mph (50 kph). The change resulted in 82 percent more energy hitting the vehicle. IIHS made adjustments for better simulation of collisions with regular SUVs.
A good score in a tougher test is a strong result. When IIHS tested seven vehicles in its updated side impact evaluation, the Subaru Outback was the only one to score a Good. The Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Jetta have an Acceptable rating. Honda Accord is Marginal. The Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry received a Poor score – the lowest classification.
The agency has also tested 18 midsize SUVs. Ten received Good marks.
For model year 2023 vehicles, a rating of Good or Acceptable in the revised side crash test is required to receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. A Good Score is required to be a Top Safety Pick+.
IIHS made several other adjustments to evaluate 2023 vehicles. There is a new nighttime pedestrian accident prevention test. An Advanced or Superior score is a requirement for Top Safety Pick+.
Additionally, standard headlights require a Good or Acceptable score to qualify for the Top Safety Pick.
Ford recently announced pricing and changes for the 2023 Mustang Mach-E. The cost of the vehicle is between $3,200 and $8,675 higher than last year. They are all now receiving Co-Pilot360 Driver Assist Technology. The eAWD Premium trim with Extended Range battery gets an EPA estimated range of 290 miles (466 kilometers), which is up by 13 miles (20.92 kilometers).
